5 Jun 2014: SEQ: Outrage to proposed concession fare increases highlights ...

[ozbob]

Media release 5th June 2014

SEQ: Outrage to proposed concession fare increases highlights the fare failure in SEQ

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has said the blistering public reaction to proposed 33% fare cost increases for concession card holders confirms the failure of the fare system in SEQ (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Since 2010 we have constantly highlighted the fact that the fare system for south-east Queensland is off the rails. With one of the most costly and bizarre fare structures, no amount of spin is going to cover up the failure now."

"We have outlined the steps that should be taken immediately, and in the longer term to fix it."

Because the go card system has limitations.  These are our recommended immediate measures.

1. Reset base fares on go card.  Zone one fare $2.50, with 40 cent increments to zone 10, then 80 cent increments to zone 23.

2. Increase off peak discount to 30%.

3. Remove the free travel after 9 paid journeys in a week. This is nothing but a rort and is a cause of significant fare box leakage.  Replace with 50% fares after 9 paid journeys in a week.  This will greatly reduce the rorting, and in any case still return a fare box.

4. Allow children to travel free on weekends and public holidays with a fare paying adult.

5. Concession card holders - fares remain 50% of adult fares.

Longer term a proper fare review with public consultation to be conducted.  A new fare system introduced that can accommodate better fare options eg. daily capping, and open payment systems.

"If the above strategies were adopted, the public subsidy would be reduced and patronage would climb.  This in turn leads to further significant savings in terms of reduced health care sector costs, the rampant road congestion would be improved, lessened environmental impacts."

"It is not rocket science - it is basic fare policy 101!"

Reference:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10754.msg142768#msg142768


Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Discussion --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10048.msg142798#msg142798

[ozbob]

Media release 7th June 2014

SEQ: Outrage to proposed concession fare increases highlights the fare failure in SEQ

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has said the blistering public reaction to proposed 33% fare cost increases for concession card holders confirms the failure of the fare system in SEQ (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Since 2010 we have constantly highlighted the fact that the fare system for south-east Queensland is off the rails. With one of the most costly and bizarre fare structures, no amount of spin is going to cover up the failure now."

"We have outlined the steps that should be taken immediately, and in the longer term to fix it."

Because the go card system has limitations.  These are our recommended immediate measures.

1. Reset base fares on go card.  Zone one fare $2.50, with 40 cent increments to zone 10, then 80 cent increments to zone 23.

2. Increase off peak discount to 30%.

3. Remove the free travel after 9 paid journeys in a week. This is nothing but a rort and is a cause of significant fare box leakage.  Replace with 50% fares after 9 paid journeys in a week.  This will greatly reduce the rorting, and in any case still return a fare box.

4. Allow children to travel free on weekends and public holidays with a fare paying adult.

5. Concession card holders - fares remain 50% of adult fares.

Longer term a proper fare review with public consultation to be conducted.  A new fare system introduced that can accommodate better fare options eg. daily capping, and open payment systems.

"If the above strategies were adopted, the public subsidy would be reduced and patronage would climb.  This in turn leads to further significant savings in terms of reduced health care sector costs, the rampant road congestion would be improved, lessened environmental impacts."

"It is not rocket science - it is basic fare policy 101!"

Reference:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10754.msg142768#msg142768


Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org